OpenOffice Reveals Motivation for Security Updates
Earlier than previously announced, the OpenOffice Project has released information regarding the newest security updates, spurred on due to gaps in security.
The software project team has advised users of the various release branches of versions 3 and 2 to update their software as soon as possible. More detailed information regarding these security loopholes were planned for September 11, but this info has been made public already.
The first security vulnerability (CVE-2009-0200 and CVE-2009-0201
concerns the processing of data in the format Windows meta-file (WMF). Manipulated data in graphic format could trigger heap overflows and under certain circumstances allow infiltrated code to execute under the authority of Office users. This issue was discovered by Dyon Balding from the company Secunia Research. This loophole also affects every version of Open Office 1.
The second loophole (CVE-2009-2414 and CVE-2009-2416 affects the processing of XML documents, including those in Open Document format (ODF). A targeted XML document could cause malicious code to execute.
Neither of the potential vulnerabilities have met with a real exploit of security to date. The most certain of solutions is to install either Open Office 3.1.1 or 2.4.3. which are the most current versions of the software.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Gnome OS Transitioning Toward a General-Purpose Distro
If you're looking for the perfectly vanilla take on the Gnome desktop, Gnome OS might be for you.
-
Fedora 41 Released with New Features
If you're a Fedora fan or just looking for a Linux distribution to help you migrate from Windows, Fedora 41 might be just the ticket.
-
AlmaLinux OS Kitten 10 Gives Power Users a Sneak Preview
If you're looking to kick the tires of AlmaLinux's upstream version, the developers have a purrfect solution.
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.